The Rockland Wolves girls soccer team took on Chester Academy at Rockland Central School’s Manor campus field on a cloudy Sept. 16 in front of a home crowd still anxious over the team’s previous heartbreaking 0-1 overtime loss to Sidney. The Wolves were on it from the off, controlling the ball and territory, and looking to improve on their 2-1 season record.

Alexandra Potosek put the sword to Chester soon after the kickoff with a nifty steal and scorching drive into the top corner that left Chester’s keeper no chance to save. Midfielder Ana Niforatos continued to boss the proceedings giving the visitors little opportunity to get out of their own end.

Chester began to grow, however, into the contest midway through the first half, resulting in Rockland goalie Angelina Schwartz making a fine double save to keep the visitors off of the scoreboard.

The Wolves were again able to break through with seven minutes left in the half, as Potosek reproduced her first goal with another “worldie” into the top corner of the net. Chester grabbed one back at the close of the half out of a scramble in front of Schwartz’s goal following a corner kick.

Rockland reasserted control of the game through the second half with Niforatos releasing Allison Froehlich on two breaks down the middle of the pitch, only to have her final touch let her down. But Potosek notched her hat-trick after a fine passage of play, and soon afterward Froehlich deservedly found the back of the net assisted by a pass from Niforatos to put the game to bed.

After the 4-1 victory, Froehlich said, “The first half wasn’t our best, but we came on strong in the second.”

Potosek credited her hat-trick to the hard work the team has been putting into practices. Both cited Leah Staudt, who has moved up to varsity this year saying, “She’s fearless, and we’re excited for what we will see of her as the season progresses.”

Reporter Solomon St. John contributed to this story.